Encore!

World class music is set to continue in
Bedford after Bedford Borough Council confirmed it will continue to
support the Philharmonia Orchestra’s Residency and concert season
at Bedford Corn Exchange.

The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson,
has given the go ahead for a grant worth £41,000 to be given to the
Philharmonia Orchestra to support its nine-concert season at
Bedford Corn Exchange, bringing world-class conductors and soloists
to perform in Bedford.

The Council has subsidised the Orchestra’s
residency in Bedford since the mid-1990s. This commitment ensures
Bedford Borough continues to be promoted throughout the world by
the Philharmonia as a vibrant place that embraces the arts.

It also ensures the concerts attract visitors
from outside Bedford - bringing more money and prosperity to the
borough.

The grant for 2010/11 is a 39% reduction
compared to 2009/10. However, Bedford Borough Council and the
Philharmonia Orchestra have worked together to secure additional
resources in order to maintain the season.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: I am delighted we
have been able to continue to support the Philharmonia Orchestra’s
Residency in Bedford.

“It reaffirms our commitment to the arts in
Bedford as well as ensuring excellent venues such as the Corn
Exchange have excellent performances to showcase.

“I am also delighted we have been able to
reach agreement with the Philharmonia to retain the full
nine-concert season, while also reducing the call on the
taxpayer.

“I look forward to welcoming the Philharmonia
Orchestra to Bedford again next season.”

David Whelton, Managing Director of the
Philharmonia Orchestra, said: “Working closely with our colleagues
at Bedford Borough Council, we’re delighted to be able to maintain
our Residency at Bedford Corn Exchange for the 2010/11 season.
We’ve been hugely encouraged by the continued support we receive
from the Council and our wonderful audiences, alongside the growing
relationship we have with Bedford’s wider communities via our
Education and Outreach programme. We very much look forward
to our forthcoming 2010/11 season, details of which will be
available in June.”

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